A Case Report of a Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma in a T-cell Receptor β Chain and p53 Double-knockout Mouse

A subcutaneous tumor was found in the right abdomen of a 16-week-old male TCRβ and p53 double-knockout mouse. The tumor had indistinct borders with the surrounding tissue. The cut surface after formalin fixation was pale yellowish white, partially dark red and partly white. Histologically, the tumor was composed of three distinct regions. The first region showed pleomorphic cells arranged in sheets. The second region showed spindle cells arranged in interlacing fascicles. The final region contained a mixture of the above mentioned two types of cells. Furthermore, a small amount of collagen fibers, round cells, multinucleated giant cells, and cells with eosinophilic granules were observed between these tumor cells. Immunohistochemical examination and electron microscopy identified that the pleomorphic cells and spindle cells were histiocytes and fibroblasts, respectively, and that the round cells were undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a malignant fibrous histiocytoma.     

N-Acetyl-d-Glucosamine-Binding Lectin in Acropora tenuis Attracts Specific Symbiodiniaceae Cell Culture Strains

Many corals establish symbiosis with Symbiodiniaceae cells from surrounding environments, but very few Symbiodiniaceae cells exist in the water column. Given that the N-acetyl-d-glucosamine-binding lectin ActL attracts Symbiodiniaceae cells, we hypothesized that corals must attract Symbiodiniaceae cells using ActL to acquire them. Anti-ActL antibody inhibited acquisition of Symbiodiniaceae cells, and rearing seawater for juvenile Acropora tenuis contained ActL, suggesting that juvenile A. tenuis discharge ActL to attract these cells. Among eight Symbiodiniaceae cultured strains, ActL attracted NBRC102920 (Symbiodinium tridacnidorum) most strongly followed by CS-161 (Symbiodinium tridacnidorum), CCMP2556 (Durusdinium trenchii), and CCMP1633 (Breviolum sp.); however, it did not attract GTP-A6-Sy (Symbiodinium natans), CCMP421 (Effrenium voratum), FKM0207 (Fugacium sp.), and CS-156 (Fugacium sp.). Juvenile polyps of A. tenuis acquired limited Symbiodiniaceae cell strains, and the number of acquired Symbiodiniaceae cells in a polyp also differed from each other. The number of Symbiodiniaceae cells acquired by juvenile polyps of A. tenuis was correlated with the ActL chemotactic activity. Thus, ActL could be used to attract select Symbiodiniaceae cells and help Symbiodiniaceae cell acquisition in juvenile polyps of A. tenuis, facilitating establishment of symbiosis between A. tenuis and Symbiodiniaceae cells.     

Benzpyrimoxan: Design,synthesis, and biological activity of a novel insecticide

Benzpyrimoxan (5-(1,3-dioxan-2-yl)-4-{[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methoxy}pyrimidine, NNI-1501) was discovered as a novel insecticide structurally characterized by a pyrimidine derivative substituted with 1,3-dioxanyl and 4-trifluoromethylbenzyloxy groups. The compound showed remarkable activity against nymphs of rice planthoppers, including strains resistant to existing insecticides. Furthermore, benzpyrimoxan had low adverse effects on pollinators and beneficial arthropods. Because of these features, benzpyrimoxan is expected to be a suitable part of an integrated pest management strategy. In this report, the history of the discovery to reach benzpyrimoxan and details of the structure–activity relationships are described.     

A new mycorrhizal helper bacterium, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ralstonia</Emphasis> species,in the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus thunbergii</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Suillus granulatus</Emphasis>

In a Robinia-pseudoacacia-dominated coastal forest in Tottori prefecture Japan, the growth and survival of Pinus thunbergii seedlings and the natural regeneration of P. thunbergii was disturbed by R. pseudoacacia. In order to improve the growth of P. thunbergii seedling in the Tottori sand dune, we tried to find a mycorrhiza helper bacteria (MHB) from P. thunbergii mycorrhizosphere in a Tottori sand dune. Two MHB, Ralstonia sp. and Bacillus subtilis, were selected from the nine bacterial species isolated from the mycorrhizosphere of P. thunbergii. The bacterial effect on the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus granulatus was investigated by confrontation assay and a microcosm experiment. The confrontation assay showed that Ralstonia sp. promoted the hyphal growth of S. granulatus. Moreover, the S. granulatus–P. thunbergii symbiosis was significantly stimulated by Ralstonia sp. and B. subtilis. Ralstonia sp. and B. subtilis were regarded as MHB associated with P. thunbergii. This is the first report of Ralstonia sp. as an MHB.     

Quantification of Wautersia [Ralstonia] basilensis in the mycorrhizosphere of Pinus thunbergii Parl. and its effect on mycorrhizal formation

The bacterium Wautersia [Ralstonia] basilensis has been shown to enhance the mycorrhizal symbiosis between Suillus granulatus and Pinus thunbergii (Japanese black pine). However, no information is available about this bacterium under field conditions. The objectives of this study were to detect W. basilensis in bulk and mycorhizosphere soils in a Japanese pine plantation in the Tottori Sand Dunes, determine the density of W. basilensis in soil, and determine the optimal cell density of W. basilensis for mycorrhizal formation in pine seedlings. We designed and validated 16S rRNA gene-targeted specific primers for detection and quantification of W. basilensis. SYBR Green I real-time PCR assay was used. A standard curve relating cultured W. basilensis cell density (10³-10⁸ cells ml⁻¹) to amplification of DNA showed a strong linear relationship (R = 0.9968). The specificity of the reaction was confirmed by analyzing DNA melting curves and sequencing of the amplicon. The average cell density of W. basilensis was >4.8 × 10⁷ cells g⁻¹ of soil in the mycorrhizosphere and 7.0 × 10⁶ cells g⁻¹ in the bulk soil. We evaluated the W. basilensis cell density required for mycorrhizal formation using an in vitro microcosm with various inoculum densities ranging from 10² to 10⁷ cells g⁻¹ soil (10⁴-10⁹ cells ml⁻¹). Cell densities of W. basilensis of >10⁶ cells g⁻¹ of soil were required to stimulate mycorrhizal formation. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that W. basilensis was sufficiently abundant to enhance mycorrhizal formation in the mycorrhizosphere of Japanese black pine sampled from the Tottori Sand Dunes.     

Hypofractionated radiation therapy in the treatment of canine thymoma: Retrospective study of eight cases

Thymomas are one of the most common tumors of the cranial mediastinum in dogs; however there is limited information available on the use of radiation therapy for treating this neoplasm. Objectives of the current retrospective observational study were to describe outcomes and side effects of a hypofractionated radiation therapy protocol in a group of dogs with confirmed thymoma. A total of eight dogs were included. To generate individualized treatment plans, we designed the planning target volume according to the limits on mean lung dose and the percentage of the total lung volume exceeding 20 Gy (V20). The total administered dose was 48–49 Gy, with one fraction per week for a total of six to seven fractions. After therapy, two dogs achieved complete responses, two achieved partial responses, and the disease remained stable in two. Two dogs died during the radiation therapy protocol and were not classified. The median mean lung dose and V20 were 6.0 Gy (range: 3.1–15.0 Gy) and 12.4% (range: 2.3–27.5%), respectively. The overall response rate was 50.0%, and the median time to response following treatment initiation was 22 days (range: 14–115 days). Acute and late side effects were common in the skin and/or lung and were self‐limiting or asymptomatic. The median survival time was not reached (range: 8–1128 days) and the 1 year survival rate was 75.0%. Hypofractionated radiation therapy was well tolerated in this sample of dogs with thymoma and may be considered when owners decline surgical treatment or the tumor is deemed unresectable.     

Sodium channel mutations (T929I and F1534S) found in pyrethroid-resistant strains of the cigarette beetle,Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae)

RNA-seq data analysis of cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) strains having different sensitivities to pyrethroids identified sodium channel mutations in strains showing pyrethroid resistance: the T929I and F1534S mutations. These results suggest that reduced sensitivity of the sodium channel confers the pyrethroid resistance of L. serricorne. Results also showed that the F1534S mutation mostly occurred concurrently with the T929I mutation. The functional relation between both mutations for pyrethroid resistance is discussed.     

Effect of temperature decrease on oocyte development,sex steroids,and gonadotropin β-subunit mRNA expression levels in female Japanese eel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anguilla japonica</Emphasis>

To improve understanding of the mechanism of early ovarian development in eels, the effects of water temperature decrease on oocyte development, plasma levels of sex steroids [estradiol 17β (E2), testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT)], and gonadotropin β-subunit [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSHβ), luteinizing hormone (LHβ)] messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels were investigated. A total of 27 female Japanese eels Anguilla japonica were divided into initial, control, and test (water temperature decrease) groups. Starting on 22 September 2009, eels in the test group were reared in a tank with gradual temperature decrease from 25°C to 15°C over 39 days, while the control group was maintained at 25°C. The test group accumulated more oil droplets in their oocytes than did the other groups. Levels of sex steroids, especially 11-KT, were higher in the test group. In contrast, FSHβ and LHβ mRNA expression levels were lower in the test group. These results suggest that water temperature decrease only induced an early stage of ovarian development that was partly affected by an 11-KT increase. For further maturation, other environmental factors related to induction of gonadotropin increase appear to be needed.     

Furan-2,5-dimethylene-tethered bis-imidacloprid insecticide conferring high potency

Bis-imidacloprid (bis-IMI) analogues with suitable alkylene spacers have plant-systemic insecticidal properties. The alkylene-tethered bis-IMI binds in a unique mode to the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) wherein the chloropyridine moieties are embraced by two distinct and distant domains. The heptamethylene spacer optimally bridges these two subsites, yet the linker itself binds in a relatively nonspecific manner. This investigation examines the hypothesis that a bis-IMI analogue with a heteroaromatic tether, which undergoes specific interaction(s) with the newly recognized receptor cavity, may enhance the potency relative to those of the alkylene-tethered derivatives. Remarkably, a novel bis-IMI with a furan-2,5-dimethylene fulcrum showed highest receptor potency and insecticidal activity among the analogues with various chemotype spacers. The nAChR structural model, simulating the binding site interactions of the furan-2,5-dimethylene-tethered bis-IMI, reveals that the furan ring is nestled in a hydrophobic pocket, consisting of three aromatic amino acids, and is stabilized via hydrogen bonding.